*reminds FCT Minister that Power is Transient….
*says should have sacked CoS, not elevate him to Chair Committee on State Policing
“These are not trivial allegations. They raise fundamental questions about the integrity of government institutions, administrative oversight and national security. Those questions deserve credible explanations, not emotional outbursts.”
By Olawale Lamina
Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party, nPDP, and prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has lent his voice, condemning in the strongest terms the latest comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, directing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to “form their own government and sack whoever they want,” for demanding accountability over the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, (PFIPC) scandal.
Former VP Atiku Abubarka and ADC presidential candidate
Reacting to Nyesom Wike’s comment through a press statement made available to journalists, Chief Eze described the FCT Minister’s remarks as arrogant, dismissive of democratic principles, and a disturbing indication that some officials in the Tinubu administration now believe that public office confers immunity from scrutiny.
He said: “It is unfortunate that instead of addressing the serious issues raised by Nigerians over the embarrassing PFIPC saga, Nyesom Wike has once again resorted to insults, intimidation and political grandstanding. That is neither governance nor leadership. It is simply an attempt to divert attention from questions that deserve honest answers.”
The chieftain maintained that in every constitutional democracy, the opposition has not only the right but the responsibility to question the actions of government, especially where such actions expose institutional weaknesses and possible abuse of public trust.
“No Nigerian needs to become President before demanding accountability from those entrusted with public office. Government belongs to the people, not to a handful of political appointees. Every official appointed by the President remains accountable to Nigerians throughout his or her tenure.”
According to Eze, the controversy surrounding the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC saga cannot be wished away by political rhetoric
“For months, Nigerians watched an organisation that is now allegedly being described as non-existent operate openly within the nation’s power structure. It reportedly occupied office space in the Federal Secretariat, held meetings with ministers, ambassadors and senior government officials, participated in diplomatic engagements, interacted with security agencies, and even enjoyed public recognition from some of the country’s highest institutions.
“These are not trivial allegations. They raise fundamental questions about the integrity of government institutions, administrative oversight and national security. Those questions deserve credible explanations, not emotional outbursts,” Eze declared.
According to the public affairs analyst and media commentator, Wike’s response was nothing but a reflection of growing intolerance of dissent within an administration that increasingly appears uncomfortable with constructive criticism.
“The duty of the opposition is not to applaud government at every turn. It is to ask difficult questions, expose shortcomings where they exist and offer Nigerians credible alternatives. That constitutional responsibility cannot be suspended simply because sycophants like Wike finds it inconvenient.”
But he advised the FCT Minister to channel his energy towards addressing what he described as pressing developmental challenges confronting the Federal Capital Territory instead of positioning himself as the administration’s chief propagandist whenever legitimate concerns are raised.
“The residents of Abuja expect improved infrastructure, better security, efficient public services and transparent administration—not daily political altercations. Public office should be measured by performance, not by the frequency of media attacks against perceived opponents.”
Eze further observed that Wike’s combative posture betrays growing anxiety within the ranks of the ruling establishment as Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency, accountability and competent governance.
“When governments become more preoccupied with attacking critics than addressing the issues raised by those critics, it is usually a sign that they are running short of convincing answers,” he stressed.
On a cautionary note, Chief Eze seized the opportunity to remind the Minister that power is transient and that those who occupy public office today will ultimately be judged by history tomorrow, and not by the volume of their political rhetoric.
He added that, “No amount of intimidation, abuse or political bravado will discourage patriotic Nigerians from demanding accountability. Democracy flourishes where citizens are free to question those who govern them. Attempts to silence opposition voices only weaken our democratic institutions and deepen public distrust.
“Mr. Wike should understand that accountability is not an act of hostility; it is the very foundation of democratic governance. Rather than disparage those asking legitimate questions, he should encourage openness and transparency, which ultimately strengthen government and inspire public confidence.”
In similar vein, Eze expressed shock over the PFIPC scandal, that President Tinubu, instead of acting as expected by relieving his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila of his duties, preferred to assign him another crucial task of chairing the establishment of State Police. This, the ADC Chief noted proved that President Tinubu had no regret for the level of corruption under his administration.
Eze counseled Nigerians to sit up and take back their country, stating that, “Tinubu sees Nigeria as a conquered nation. It is sad and unfortunate that we are now placed in a situation where the laws and constitution of Nigeria have no meaning to this administration and can be manipulated to suit the whims of the Tinubu administration.”
Eze concluded by reaffirming that the opposition would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibility without fear or intimidation.
“We will remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, defending democratic values and insisting that every public official, regardless of status or influence, remains accountable to the Nigerian people. No amount of political bullying will alter that sacred obligation.”
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